Remember when I said that I was taking my art in a whole new direction? Yup, I definitely have. I haven't stopped making cards or scrapboking pages, but I've found an amazing amount of inspiration lately and this year is starting off to be one of my most creative feeling years ever. I'm so excited about where it's going to go and I love what I'm doing with the inspiration I've been given.
I posted a couple weeks ago about the fun I've been having with canvases. I'm still having fun and I don't see this stopping any time soon. This is a new passion and love of mine. It combines two of the things that I love the most. Painting and paper. I can't seem to find my way out of my studio....all I want to do in here is play with paints and paper.
I've been working on a number of canvases with themes. I'm a huge collector of quotes...I find inspiration in quotes. I have them in notebooks, on scrapbook pages, in folders on my computer...one of the best things about collecting quotes is that they're free and they don't really take up much space. When I started working on my canvases, I couldn't bear to think of them without words. That's another one of my loves. Paints, paper, photos and words. I've been combing three of these loves on my canvases. I'm sure that eventually, I'll even put some photos on my canvases, as well.
I just recently uploaded my original canvas artwork to my Etsy Shop and I'm also offering prints, as well, that are ready to frame and hang on your wall.
In the very near future, I'm also going to be offering my artwork as GREETING CARDS! I am SUPER excited about this! They'll come as a series of 4 different designs with the same theme. I'll make sure to keep you updated as that time draws closer.
I have a couple of custom canvases that I've been working on for some dear friends. I was so privileged to be asked to do something so personal. It's amazing process to share ideas, talk about concepts and then see it all come together in front of me.
When I started working on my canvases, I knew that I wanted to do something extra with them. You might remember me talking about the inspiration that I found when watching a documentary at the beginning of December. You can watch a clip from it by going here: Sam & Esther. This clip is part of the documentary called, The Fragrant Spirit of Life: Misery and Hope in Uganda. Having been to Uganda in my teens and spending time with the people there, I couldn't ignore that so much of the inspiration I am feeding off of right now comes directly from what I saw in that documentary, what one woman is aspiring to do in helping these children and the memories I have of my own time in Uganda. Because of this, I wanted to do something to help.
So, when people shop in my Etsy Shop, no matter what it might be, 10% of all profits will go to help support Village 2 Village Project. This is a grass-roots organization that is making a huge impact on the lives of orphaned children in Uganda. This is the organization that is featured in the documentary that I saw and it also happens to be headquartered in Bristol, VT, which is only 15 min. from where I live. I've met Laurie Kroll (the director) and she's an amazing woman with a powerful vision. The stories and the faces spoke to me and I want to be a part of that vision....and to pass it on.
I'm giving you some sneak peeks here, but you can see all of the canvases over on my Etsy Shop.
I can't wait to see where this takes me. It's a journey I've wanted to go on for a while, and the timing is right. The inspiration is right.
Happy Creating!
-Erika
Congratulations Erika. Your canvas came out beautiful. I had no idea that you could paint too. You are multi talented that's for sure. It sounds as though your canvases are going to be a part of something very big. Not only for you but for the Village 2 Village project. I am so happy for you.
Mary
Posted by: Mary C. Anderson | January 16, 2009 at 02:47 AM
I love this, it is so creative. I love quotes too but I don't keep them, can you please tell me how you "store" them? Do you have a source or just when you come upon one? thanks beth g.
Posted by: beth g | January 16, 2009 at 09:20 AM
very cool Erika!
Posted by: Melanie Muenchinger | January 16, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Erika, I love your canvas. It's so bright and cheery. Reading through, I noticed the Village to Village is headquartered in Bristol. That is so cool! I lived there until I was 10 and moved in 1988. Such a beautiful place. Still know several families there.
Posted by: Andrea C | January 17, 2009 at 08:24 AM
thanks for the encourage art works
Posted by: Busby SEO Test | January 17, 2009 at 12:00 PM
You and your dreads and your canvas' are all just gorgeous! Love your etsy shop! I just added you as a favorite over there :) Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by: flipflopmamma | January 17, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Beautiful work Erika!!
Posted by: Julie Masse | January 18, 2009 at 09:23 PM
Simply beautiful Erika! Love the design, the whimsy, and bright colors of this project - just perfect! I'll keep an eye on your Etsy shop...I have a desire to have artwork on my walls focused on the joy of children and motherhood, any thoughts?
Posted by: Kim | January 19, 2009 at 09:12 AM